Iran sharply reacted to the breakdown of negotiations with the United States in Islamabad, declaring the talks unsuccessful shortly after JD Vance departed Pakistan following over 21 hours of discussions. The meeting had been aimed at converting a temporary two-week ceasefire into a longer-term agreement after nearly 40 days of conflict, but ended without consensus.
Tehran accused Washington of putting forward demands that it had failed to secure through military means, signalling a hardened stance following the failed diplomacy. In a strongly worded message, Iran reiterated that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed until a reliable and acceptable ceasefire arrangement is achieved, reinforcing its position that the waterway remains a key bargaining tool.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei described the negotiations as having taken place in an atmosphere of deep mistrust, emphasising that expecting a breakthrough in a single round of talks was unrealistic. While acknowledging that both sides found some areas of common ground, he confirmed that disagreements on critical issues ultimately prevented any agreement from being finalised.
Reports from Iranian media further highlighted that two central issues—control and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and Iran’s nuclear programme—remained unresolved. These have consistently formed the core of the dispute between the two sides, with neither willing to concede. Tehran also signalled that it is not under pressure to rush back into negotiations, indicating a willingness to prolong the standoff if its conditions are not met.
On the American side, Vance stated that the failure to reach a deal was primarily due to Iran’s refusal to accept key US conditions, particularly those related to limiting its nuclear ambitions. He stressed that Washington’s red lines had been clearly communicated and remained unchanged, even as discussions were described as substantive and detailed.
The collapse of the talks leaves the fragile ceasefire in a precarious position, with no clarity on whether further negotiations will take place. The situation is further complicated by continued warnings from Donald Trump about potential military action, raising concerns that tensions could escalate again if diplomatic efforts remain stalled.
